The holiday season puts everyone in a giving mood—we try to find the perfect way to show our loved ones just how much we care with a token of appreciation. But aside from giving presents to our friends and family, there are many ways we can also go beyond that by giving back to the less fortunate in our communities. And these special gifts don’t always come in the shape and size you imagine. These gifts come from the heart in the form of our time and presence. Not sure what we mean? Here are five ways you can give the gift of volunteering this holiday season to help those in your community who need it most.

Love animals? Animal shelters and rescue organizations often need an extra hand to help care for their four-legged residents. Find out if your local shelter needs any volunteers and consider signing up to volunteer a couple hours a week after school or during your winter break. It’s a great extra-curricular activity that will allow you spend time with some new furry friends who need all the love they can get!

Do you enjoy playing the piano or have a knack for arts and crafts? Then you might want to think about donating your time to your nearest nursing home. As you share your special talent with a welcoming older audience, you’ll entertain and bring a huge smile to them as well. And who knows? You just might learn a thing or two you didn’t know just by listening to their stories. It’s a win-win!

Everyone’s got clothes in their closet that they just don’t wear anymore. Don’t throw these items away! Instead, take the time to go through them and see what pieces are still in good shape. Why not donate these to the homeless? There are plenty of organizations out there that you can donate your clothes to who will then distribute them to those in need.

Start a food drive for the needy. Encourage members in your community (from school to church, etc.) to join you in donating non-perishable items to your local food pantry. You’d be surprised just how many people will be happy to give what they can to the less fortunate. If you’re able to make a contribution, do it. You’ll feel great about being able to help in some small way.

You may not even realize it but there are sadly many kids who unfortunately aren’t in good health and instead of enjoying the holidays like the rest of us, they might be fighting for their lives. One way you can brighten the lives of these children is by sending handmade holiday cards to ill kids in the hospital. Or you can donate toys as well. It’s really the thought that counts. And knowing that someone is thinking of them during such a difficult time will go farther than you can even imagine. It’s amazing how so little effort can do so much in the lives of others.

These are just a few ideas of how you can give back, not just during the holidays but throughout the year as well. What will you do to help others this holiday season? Tell us in the comments below.

And by leaving a comment, you’ll be automatically entered to win a free Hot Cocoa BFF Pillow! Continue the holiday spirit of giving by entering to win this fun prize you can share with a friend. Good luck to everyone! We will announce the winner the week of December 7, 2015. And don’t forget to check back weekly during the month of December for other fabulous giveaways on our blog. See you back here next week!

Today we’re thrilled to feature a special guest blog post written by the founder of Kindness U, an organization that inspires us daily as they empower young people to create social change by striving to be the kindest they can be. We can all learn a lot from this—both parents and kids—so let’s listen up!

We all know that school is important. You go to school and practice vocabulary and memorize important dates in history because you know that practicing these skills helps you absorb and understand the material. But what if we told you the same principle applies to kindness—which starts at home?

By bringing kindness into your home and encouraging its practice every day, you help your family earn a PhD in T.L.C. (tender loving care). From treating people how you’d like to be treated, to letting everyone participate in a game or activity, these kind behaviors are mostly common sense, but still require the occasional reminder—and a lot of practice!

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1. Words are choices.One of the most important choices we make is how we treat other people. We can be selfish and self-centered, or we can be kind and helpful. We can put people down, or we can lift people up. Which do you think will help make the world a kinder place?

3. Words inspire others and ourselves. Almost every day we have the opportunity to inspire others by appreciating them, acknowledging their hard work, or by congratulating people. With just a little bit of thoughtfulness, we can give someone a gift with our words.

4. Kind words cost only a little, but accomplish a whole lot. “You cannot receive a compliment without feeling better. And just as important, you cannot give a sincere compliment without feeling better yourself,” said American author and motivational speaker, Zig Ziglar. It’s really that simple. canadian pharmacy viagra // canadian pharmacy online // cialisgeneric20mgbest.com

5. Mean words hurt and offend people. Has a person ever said anything to you that stung like a bee? Words are powerful and can have a lasting impact. Unfortunately, most of us have been on the receiving end of this kind of language. It hurts a lot more than sticks and stones do. I urge you, from the bottom of my heart, to learn to control your tongue and think before you speak. Once you say something, you can’t take it back.

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6. Funny words make us laugh. The old saying that laughter is the best medicine is a proven fact. It activates the immune system, has no negative side effects, reduces stress, and it’s free. I’m not suggesting we tell jokes all day long, but we can be on the lookout for humor and share it with others.

7. Gracious words show respect and gratitude. Buddha said kind words can change our world, and Mother Teresa said that the echoes of kind words are truly endless. These are some of the most valuable lessons you can learn in life. They’ve helped me realize the power of words and to always look for the good in people. It has even helped me feel good about myself. Never underestimate the power of a kind word!

We believe that kindness is a ripple effect that begins at home and radiates out into the world. Even the smallest act of kindness can have a big impact on those around you. Together we can make the world a better place by making the world a kinder place—starting with kids—which means starting with YOU!

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We invite you to share our passion for spreading more kindness, love, and support into our world!